Visitor's Guide to the Little River Zoo

By
Adam Knapp
Adam Knapp
Adam Knapp is a former writer for TripSavvy who wrote dozens of articles about Oklahoma City, tourist attractions in Oklahoma, and local events.
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Updated on 06/03/19
Children looking at a pig in a petting zoo
 Mark Peters / Flickr

Due to financial difficulties, the Little River Zoo is closed to the public indefinitely as they search for funding. The zoo is still operating as an animal sanctuary and hopes to re-open to visitors soon.

The woods near Lake Thunderbird State Park in Norman are the site for the Little River Zoo, an educational attraction for those metro animal and wildlife enthusiasts who enjoy other OKC spots such as the Oklahoma City Zoo and Tiger Safari.

It's not your typical zoo, though. Opened in 1996, the Little River Zoo has almost 400 animals on the 55-acre park and provides tours personally guided by one of the trained staff members. There are opportunities for kids and adults alike to pet and interact with the animals.

Location & Directions

The Little River Zoo is located at 3405 SE 120th Avenue, about three quarters of a mile south of Highway 9E in Norman. From Oklahoma City, follow I-35 to Norman. Take Highway 9 East to SE 120th and turn south. The zoo entrance will be on the east side of the road.

Birthday Parties

The Little River Zoo is an excellent place for a kid's birthday party, right up there with some of the best in the metro. Birthday package options include a guided tour, free petting zoo food and party area. 

The Little River Zoo will also come to your home or birthday location, bringing a gift for the birthday child and 5 animals. The cost is $130 for the first hour and $50 for each additional hour.

For more information on required deposits or to make a reservation, call (405) 366-7229.

Special Programs

Several special programs are also available at the Little River Zoo. Call (405) 366-7229 for event dates.

  • Junior Zookeeper: Kids 5 and older can work hands-on with the zookeepers and help care for the animals.
  • Overnight Camp-Outs: From 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. the night side of the zoo comes alive.
  • Summer Camps: Several summer sessions are available for Junior Zookeepers to learn about conservation, hike, work with zookeepers and more.
  • Night Tours: For just $10 per person, groups of 20 or more can take a night tour to check out the nocturnal animals.